The Murray

Camel Pad Track

Overview

Camels were used to transport salt from the Sunset Country to the Murray River along this track 100 years ago. Led by Afghan team masters, the camel teams carried cargoes of salt from Spectacle Lakes to the Murray River, where the salt was loaded onto paddle steamers that returned with precious fresh water and supplies.

Walk through a constantly changing landscape, with typical Mallee scrub of eucalypt and Porcupine Grass giving way to different vegetation as the track passes through open woodlands, over sand dunes, and beside a large salt pan. See the local wildlife up close, with kangaroos and emus grazing in the open areas or resting in the shade. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park is paradise for birdwatchers, as the dry country and lakes offer habitat for over 200 species. Colourful galahs, parrots and Major Mitchell Cockatoos are often seen, while waterbirds such as pelicans, swans, ducks and grebes frequent Lake Mournpall at the end of the trail.